Farewell to Rory Markas…

It’s always shocking when you read about someone who passes away so suddenly but it’s even more shocking when you know the person and it was very, very sad news to hear yesterday that Angels broadcaster Rory Markas has died. Like me, he was a graduate of Chatsworth High School and grew up in the Valley, and he basically got his dream job in life. He was a genuine man who battled a brain tumor and was back in the booth long before anyone could have expected. He will be missed by everyone who knew him and even those who didn’t, but had the good fortune to watch and hear him call Angel games.

Of course, everyone knows we try to keep things positive and upbeat over here at Inside the Dodgers, so I’ll conclude this post by saying that I really hope Fred McGriff gets into the Hall of Fame when it’s announced live today on the MLB Network at 11 a.m. PT. While there are tons of former Dodgers who belong in the Hall that I could “stump” for (Gil Hodges, Maury Wills, and Fernando Valenzuela for his impact on the game), the Crime Dog gets his first chance today and I really don’t think that failing to hit seven more homers for the magic number of 500 should hold him back.

The St. Petersburg Times has a great article today about his candidacy and even though he only played one season here, I do believe he deserves to be enshrined. He was a pretty quiet guy with a huge grin and when he laughs, he kind of reminds me of Eddie Murphy. Of course, none of that justifies his Hall case so we can let you all debate it in the comments below.

Beat me to it, nelly.
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I send out my enthusiastic congratulations to Andre Dawson who richly deserves this honor.
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For younger fans, think of a better version of Vladimir Guerrero.
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And like Vladdy, Dawson’s career was severely damaged by the horrendous palying field in Montreal.
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Given a decent field and a team in a decent baseball city, Dawson would be a household name on a par with such contemporaries as Reggie Jackson and Mike Schmidt.

Eric Karros got only 2 HOF votes and will not be on next year’s ballot.
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But this is perhaps an appropriate time to remember what a terrific Dodger Eric was. Congratulations on a great career, Eric. And best wishes for a terrific rest of your life.

I don’t know much about the numbers of either Andre Dawson or Vladdy. I was mostly commenting primarily based on personality, but then the article that Dodgereric posted yesterday spoke to that very thing…………….is it just about performance or is the personality/integrity of the player factored in as well? I guess for me, personality/integrity does play a part in how I feel when someone is up for such distinguished recognition. Not that I by any means think Vladdy will not deserve such recognition himself when and if his time comes.

Sorry fellow ITDers, but Vlad has already been way better than Dawson. Vlad is in the same room as Reggie and Schmidt, but Dawson? Check their stats for heaven’s sake. The only thing they have in common is not walking a lot.

Scott,
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I’m going to have to dispute your Vlad v. Andre conclusion.
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Argument #1 — Gold Gloves
Andre — 8, Vlad –0
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Argument #2 — When comparing stats, it is best to compare players with their contemporaries. Both Vlad and Andre were known for power and speed. So the annual power-spped ranking at baseball-reference.com seems like a good tool to compare the two:
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Andre finished first in his league in power-speed 3 times, second 3 more times, and another three times in the top 10; Vlad finished first twice, never second, and four other times in the Top Ten.
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Argument #3 — Montreal Handicap
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Andre was burdened for 10 full seasons; Vlad about 6 1/2. Also, although I don’t know this for a fact, I imagine they did something to make the field somewhat less horrendous in the latter days of Olympic Stadium baseball.
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Yes, to some degree I cherry-picked these stats. And I know that I could cherry-pick stats that favor Vlad.
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For my money I would take Andre over Vlad.
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Choosing Vlad over Andre is not unreasonable, but it’s no slam dunk as you suggest, Scott.

Maybe you should change your name to “lny4andre”. It’s not close. The turf at Montreal was most likely worse when Vlad played and most of his stats are equal or better (batting average for instance) with 5 years less playing time.

Scott,
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I would enjoy a reasoned discussion/debate of the topic. But all you give me are conclusions with very little facts to back them up.
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Citing the fact that Vlad has played 5 years less than Andre is a factor AGAINST your batting average argument rather than for it. Think of it this way: If Vlad plays another five years, do you think his lifetime batting average will go up or go down? Andre’s batting average for each of the last 5 years of his career was LOWER than his lifetime BA, as is the almost universal trend.
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Despite your backwards logic, it is true that Vlad will undoubtedly end with a significantly higher batting average than Andre. But batting average alone does not a complete player make.
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Are you going to completely ignore Andre’s 8 Gold Gloves?.
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Some of Vlad’s cumulative stats are better than Andre’s, but it is good to remember that Vlad played in a much more offense-friendly era than Vlad.
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Further some of Andre’s lifetime stats are so far ahead of Vlad’s that it is highly unlikely that Vlad will catch him. For example, Andre has 273 more lifetime RBI and 139 more lifetime stolen bases than Vlad.
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As to the playing field, it probably was somewhat worse in Vlad’s day than Andre’s. However, the old terrible turf was replaced with brand new and much improved turf before Vlad’s final year in Montreal. So Andre played about twice as long on the bad turf as did Vlad.

Good Evening All…..I don’t know much about Rory Markas, however the more I read, the more I wish I did. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones.
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This is a nice little debate we have going on today, thanks for the read……I don’t want to take a side, I will just say that you both present very good arguments.
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Just running an offseason sound check……..
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RALLY TIME!!!!
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LET’S GO DODGERS, LET’S GO!!!
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BRING THE RING IN 2010!!!!!

Apparently Bud Selig is floating the idea of a “World Series” to be played against the Japanese Leagues Champion.
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Here is my response:
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Until such time as the talent in the Japanese League is at all comparable to that of the U.S. major leagues, this idea is a pathetic joke.
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There are only two possible outcomes:
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#1 — The far more likely outcome is that the American champion absolutely embarrasses the Japanese champion defeating them handily and winning some games by 10+ runs.
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#2 — The Japanese pull a major upset solely on the backs of 2 great Japanese league pitchers whose skill level is wildly disproportionate to that of the team as a whole each pitching two shutout games. We all know that if given the chance even the Kansas City Royals might defeat the World Champion Yankees in a seven-game series, but such would hardly convince anybody that the Royals are fit to be crowned World Champions. Allowing a Japanese League champion to compete against the American champion would be like allowing the Royals into the World Championship in the interest of making Kansas City feel more important.
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P.S. Bud Selig is probably the worst thing that has ever happened to baseball!

Hi ITD readers and bloggers.
I am enjoying the debate! Irevelent, but one thing I don’t like about Vlad is he has been in this country, ok, also in Canada and he STILL needs an interpreter!
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Emmahttp://crzblue.mlblogs.com/

Sorry to hear about Rory Markas. I am not that familiar with his work since I don’t listen to or watch Angel games very often and the same for SC basketball. However, he seemed to be a decent person and good at what he did. His passing did bring back sad memories of the day we learned Don Drysdale passed away.

Interesting debate on Dawson vs. Vlad. It only prooves that each fan sees something different in a player. I must say I don’t remember Dawson as being a great player but I don’t dispute his selection. My guess is Vlad will get into the Hall at some point in time mostly due to his hitting.

In theory, I like the idea of the American Champion playing the Japanese champion. Then it might really be a true “World Series”. However, the logistics and the fact that the season is too long as it is makes such an event impractical. The World Baseball Classic is supposed to bring the best talent but even that has limits for much the same reasons. I do recall the Dodgers playing some exhibition games in Japan in the 1950’s and then again in the 60’s. Not sure how competitive the games were and I do recall Maury Wills did not want to go to Japan after the season (I think 1966) and was traded not long after. I might add I am no big Bud Selig fan either.

I’m wholly interested by an America-Japan World Series. Some things would have to be ironed out, like…
– Say goodbye to thoughts of a 7-game Division Series (which I always thought was a stupid idea)
– back to a 5 game LCS to make room
– The notion of an “American” team is kinda a joke, seeing as the MLB is a melting pot of talent (as Japan is as well). The Japanese teams could beat American teams with great pitching and small ball. But really that’s any team.
– The Royals might beat the Yankees in 7 games. The Dodgers beat the over-100-win A’s in less than 7. That’s baseball, no matter who’s playing.
– The rules and fans of Japanese baseball handle the game differently. Homefield advantage for Japan games would be insane.

Basically, the fear from this side of the Pacific from some would be the prospect of being “embarrased” by losing. Weren’t we embarrased to lose two NLCS’s in a row to the same team by the same margin? Does that mean Philly wasn’t a better team? They were better when they had to be, we weren’t. And the Yankees got lucky this year for it.

This feeling of “embarrassment” to me is fundamentally stunted. Like BCS teams being “embarrased” by Boise State and TCU “crashing the party”. So they stuck them in the same bowl (crapping all over Tempe in the process), robbing us of… say… Boise State v. Florida. If you’re as good as you think you are, you shouldn’t be “embarrassed” to lose to a team whose proven to everything but your own ego that they’re on the same level as you.

I’m sure Kennesaw Mountain Landis lost a measuring contest, and used that as the basis to make sure him or his Major Leagues wouldn’t be “embarrased” by getting their butts handed to them by Satchel Paige, Josh Gibson, Double Duty Radcliffe, Buck Owens, and that young upstart Jackie Robinson.

Not that the last paragraph reflects upon the previous argument at all, just thought I’d throw in another situation where the powers-that-be were afraid of being “embarrassed” by people their egos were sure they were better than.

Bud’s got fortitude, I’ll give him that. I just think that realistically, we’re probably 10-15 years from making everything work. But the fact that Baseball is having this as a serious conversation is impressive in and of itself.

NSB, you have hit upon a topic of interest to me about so called embarassing losses. So often when a team that is highly favored loses, the loss is forever classified as an “embarassing loss”, never to be forgotten. We all know that any team or competitor in any sport can win on any given day. If the so called better team or athlete won every time, why even play the game? I can understand being disappointed and such after losing but why should any team or athlete be embarassed at losing? This goes for the fans as well. Why do we insist on rubbing in the tough or bad loses? Perhaps the only exception would be purposely not trying one’s best and how often does that happen? Yes, players make mistakes, some of them silly, and maybe there are times during competition when a player is embarassed by something that happens in the field of play. But losing should not be one of those things.

And to add to my last post, and not to take anything away from Boise State but if those clever, risky and highly entertaining plays run by Boise State a couple years ago against Oklahoma had failed and Boise State had lost that game, would anyone still be talking about it today?

DNelly!
That is the best news! TGIF and 41 days ’till Pitchers and Catchers report! Woohoo! It has been a long week for me at work.
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Good morning ITD blogmates!
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February 14th is the start of the Chinese new year! This year is the year of the Tiger.
Emmahttp://crzblue.mlblogs.com/

Thought you guys would like this comment from Scott Eyre, a classy guy who has decided to retire…

Coolest Moment: “I was with the Blue Jays in ’02 and I came in to pitch at Dodger Stadium for the first time (June 20, 2002). I grew up a Dodger fan. I went to a few games as a kid. I saw Dusty Baker play live as a kid. I got his autograph, and then he was my manager, which was pretty cool. Stuff like that I’ll never forget. I don’t even remember who I faced that day. My dad is like, ‘How do you not remember who you faced?” I was like, ‘Dad, I couldn’t give a crap.’ But the batter hit into a double play. I was thinking, ‘Oh my gosh. I just pitched at Dodger Stadium.’ And as I was walking off the field I was saying to myself, ‘And Vin Scully is saying my name right now.’ I met Vin Scully a couple years ago at Wrigley Field. I went up to the booth and talked to him for about 10 minutes. I told him that story. I don’t know if he remembers that story today, but I do and it’s the coolest.”

That’s too bad Eyre is retiring. I didn’t realize he pitched for 13 years, but he’s right, he is going out on a very good note. I agree…………he definitely seemed like a good guy, and he just may be needed in June/July for somebody.

Phan!
thank you so much for sharing that with us! that was very cool, Scott Eyre telling the story and you sharing it with us!
I love how the Phillies have that cruise in January! A Phillie blogger (Jenn) was sharing her pictures of last year’s cruise and she also going this year!
Emmahttp://crzblue.mlblogs.com/

That “embarrassing loss” is an interesting subject to me, being a Sooners fan. The game with Boise State was a no win situation, if you won, so what? We know what became of the loss. Boise State only has to play one game year, and I really do not think they could hold up an entire year in one of the majors. They do play Virginia Tech next year, so I guess they could make me see differently, but I do not think so.
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Last year Alabama had to play Utah after missing out against Florida, and they really were embarrassed in another no win situation. Now they are national champs.
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We no doubt have better players than the Japanese, but you can only put nine of these guys on the field at a time, cutting down the odds. These Japanese guys have shown they have the will and can win. Were they to be taken lightly, we would be on the short end of an embarrassing loss.

Anyone who avoids a potential embarrasing loss doesn’t belong on any field, rink or court of competition.

Dawson or Vlad? Man, I’d take either one. The ball would scream off either bat or from either hand.

Dawson in the HOF? My own criteria is pretty tough. There’s quite a few in the Hall that I’d take out if it were up to me, and there’s a couple that I’d put in. I wouldn’t have voted for him, but considering who is already in there, I guess he belongs.

phan, thanks for that link. That’s pretty nice of you. By the way, do you know that there’s someone out there using your moniker to rub stuff in our noses? π Seriously, it’s nice to read something from you that doesn’t make me see red.

…….and thanks to baseball_reference.com, we don’t have to wonder who Eyre faced that day. It was Shawn Green that hit into that double play. Eyre relieved our good ol’ friend Esteban Loaiza, the Dodgers won the game 2-1 with Gagne getting the save. Ah, the memories………http://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/LAN/LAN200206200.shtml

Good afternoon all……….
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I have been watching Boise State Football since around the time of Gibby’s magical swing, which we all know seems like an eternity. I have seen the day’s that they were being defeated by the likes of Montana and cross state rival Idaho. I have seen Pokey Allen, God rest his soul, Houston Nutt, Dirk Keotter, Dan Hawkins and now our coach Pete. I have seen Gene Bleymaier (BSU AD) replace coach after coach and not only keep the success of the team but improve it. I have seen Georgia dominate the Bronco’s, with the front line, in what was an embarrassing loss for us. I have seen Washington dominate the Bronco’s in an embarrassing loss. I have seen the Bronco’s defeat, Oregon twice, Oregon State and Oklahoma. This is not a fluke. Yes I will admit that if the Bronco’s were in a tougher conference they would face tougher obstacles, week in and week out. However conference play is a challenge in itself. It is fine with me if you don’t believe in the Blue of Boise, I know plenty of people who do…..and we will be ready to prove the doubters wrong again. Boise State returns all but one stater from a 14-0, Fiesta Bowl season. One being Kellen Moore whom will be a junior starting for the 3rd consecutive season.
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GO BOISE STATE!!!!!!!!
GO DODGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Dodgereric ~ Not that I would expect anything less, but I figured you would come up with the name of the batter. Also, in case you need more lunch time reading (lol – I know…………. you have probably already read it – LOL!!!), here’s another article/post from Joe Posnanski about the best players in baseball I thought (well D4 showed me first) you and the rest of our ITDers might enjoy (and critique).

It was just a thought…..You may be on to something though…..I was also thinking that Ned has been non existant lately…..I wonder if he has been arrested and is locked away in a mexican jail somewhere??? Tru say’s we should have bear call the embasy.

ITD is proud to announce the new fantasy cruise line….
BEARLIFE!!!! Starting with the maiden voyage of the Escape Package!! (otherwise known as the Frank and Jamie midnight special) ….Two almost round trip tickets to Catalina and well…..back!!!

Whew!!! Guess if it was a gnome I could just make it stare back at the neighbor π

Manny without roids and evidently bad wheels vs. a guy who for one month out of his three year tenure didn’t bring down the offense…

Defense is a wash – Manny can’t get to anything and JP can’t throw it when he does. I see Manny hitting about .265-.270, 15-20 HR and 70 RBI. Knowing Joe that’s good enough to bat third or clean-up. He will draw walks which will keep his OBP above JPs. JP will be JP – play everyday and suck the life out of the top of the line-up on most days. Playing everyday, he’ll OBP about .325 in 700 PAs, hit .290ish and steal about 50 bases. He’ll get about 185-190 hits and score 90 runs. He’ll get thrown out trying to steal about 20 times and hit into another 10 DPs despite his speed. No one will pitch around him, so we’re looking maybe 35 walks max. He’ll make 500 outs.

Way I see it, Manny’s going to become just another PVL. His value increases though because I doubt he’ll play more than 140 games and miss a good many 7-8-9th innings. He also still has some reputation that’ll help against average pitchers. If JP plays everyday, his value goes down because the more he plays, the more he sucks and starts coming down to his norms (and below.)

Ozzie will have JP on the bench by August…Manny will be in the middle of his monster, get-a-new-DH-contract stretch drive, eying pinstripes to stick it to Boston but good! Even the most cynical amongst us must agree that one semi-mediocre season by Manny–one interrupted by a 50-game unpaid vacation–does not diminish his career mashing, ‘roids or no ‘roids. To even offer up such a comparison is not so much a Manny slight but a rose-colored perception of our once-beloved JP. As for me, I’ll take whatever makes those glasses rose colored, whether it comes in a bottle, a pipe or a sugar cube.

Unbelieveable Collie!!! I just figured out what you were talking about. Here we go……………..boy, the troops are going to love this one. A 35 year old pitcher who is coming off Tommy John surgery. I mean it’s only a minor league contract, but it still speaks volumes to the lack of funds Ned has to work with.

It’s really not the minor league signings that bother me. I understand that these are low risk endeavors that may turn out to be okay. We had several last year that worked out fine. However, it goes back to the issue of if you can’t afford to pay for premium players now, how are you going to be able to pay for our soon to be premium players that we want to remain Dodgers in the very near future (ie……..our young guns)

I really don?t know where to begin with this post, I just know that my passion for Dodger Baseball wants me to write one. As I sit here conducting a late night conversation with the two guys on my shoulders?My good and Evil sides I suppose. I wonder, what the future of my passion has in store?? The good guy or the positive shoulder is strong?.he sees a bright future in the young core?.Players who do not posses the ability to seek other employment, but posses the potential that if they did would make others lust after. My bad shoulder or the dark side I shall say, knows this only exist for a short time. My positive side say?s they will come of age in the near future not because of the pressure that the organization is sure to put upon them but because they have a destiny, that burns deep inside their own mind and body. My dark side say?s that they will become sidetracked like so many have in the past. content with the status quo and the status quo in their profession is quite a good living by all means and standards.. I choose to listen to my good side here?..Call it thinking with my heart, or blind faith if you wish?but I still believe in the magic that I have grown to Love!!!
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My dark side say?s we have a less than stellar future, it has went the wayside of yesteryear, and is just being held together by the will of legends who are willing with all they can muster. That no matter how much I want to believe in the magic that exist today, and my positive side, once again the strong side say?s that magic still exit?s, it is being tarnished from the inside. Yes the dark side has a valid point. The point being that without good leadership from the within?there really is no magic, there is no foundation from with which to build. The dark side tells me Whatever It Takes?.the positive side say?s it takes an honest belief. That Whatever It Takes lies within the heart of the man with forthright convictions?.The dark side say?s I am that man?.I have shown you in the past that I am the foundation. The positive side disapproves of this and say?s to look at things without your blind faith and see it for what it is. In order to listen to the positive side or the strong side I must abandon my Love for the time being, and focus on that foundation. I am at an impasse here in my decisions. How can I step away long enough to see the whole picture but not fall victim to it?s circumstances. If the picture being projected is not what I have been accustomed to in the past. If only I had a beacon of light to shine while I wandered in the mist, something that would steer me back to the promised land. Certainly this light exist it must, it has been bright for so long?.It has seen tough times before, it has burned it?s way through the haze in the past. Someone has always become that beacon, someone has always become that leader. Even when it appeared there was no foundation upon with which to build. Looking at the landscape of today with an unbiased set of eyes, I see the shaky ground. I see the light that once did shine so bright dimensioning, I see the cosmetic faηade that tries to hold the foundation together weakening at the seams. I can still see the light however, and it still projects it?s luster. It is in the hearts and soul of all who believe and never more so than those who have the ability to repair this foundation upon with which many who have come before have constructed. Men who faced tougher times than these men will face in the present. This is where this beacon will shine , this is where our leadership for the future will come from. Not from the top but from the inside, from inside the minds and bodies of young men who wish for more than just, a dream. From young men who wish the dreams of future generation?s of youngsters. Young men who will continue to bestow the light that has been the foundation for success, in generation s past and will become ambassadors of this dream for past, present and future. This is a champion and it?s beacon lives in the challenge, it?s beacon lives in the accomplishments that bring forth righteous light, for in the end it is this righteous light you will seek. This is the magic, this is foundations of my convictions and beliefs, this is Dodger baseball. This is destiny. Make it yours gentlemen and be proud to have continued this proud legacy?..
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GO MY BELOVED DODGERS GO!!!!

It is late….I am growing tired of the Hot Stove season, or non season. I want to root, root, root for the home team. I want to get past the daily dealings of the McCourts and their bitterness. I want to follow the battle that takes place on the field. I want to relive the joy that happens in the spring and carries us into the fall. I want to will my team to victory. I want to participate in the grand ole game, any way I can. I want the face of the Dodgers to be upon the youngsters in the stands. I want them to be smiling, I want them to be proud. I want them to enjoy the same things, I and my father and his father before him did…..I want leadership that want’s the same things as I. I dont want an owner or owners, I want a caretaker, I want a leader….I want someone who will give more than they recieve. Is this asking to much Frank??? If it is pass the torch, I am sure there is someone willing to fullfill this role. I want players to come here because they believe in the Dodger Way, not leave beacause of it. I want the next generation to be better, I want more Vinny’s and Sandy’s and Drysdales and Robinsons and Fernandos and Hershisers and Gibsons and Pee Wee’s and Alston’s and Tommy’s and Hodges and Newcomes……and yes I want more O’Malleys, Frank….I want more O’Malleys……many many more!!!!!

Hey boys and girls,
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I just wanted to mention Ken Burns documentary “Baseball”. I happened to notice the DVDs at my local library and have been watching the series lately.
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For those who have seen it but not in a while, it is certainly worth a repeat.
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For those of you who have never seen this show, a 1994 PBS production, I HIGHLY recommend it.

lny4loney – I have seen most of it here and there, and then I have the Original Soundtrack to the series as well.

I just came from our baseball academy (Valley Sports Academy) where two minor league pitchers from the Rockies organization were doing a pitching clinic for the kids. One is 22 and last season was in AA and the other one was 24 and in AAA last season. They did a phenomenal job, and it just made me think even more, why can’t our organization just trust our young pitchers and see what they can bring to the field rather than spend it on more pvls. Then again, I am really beginning to understand why we don’t throw away (trade) our prospects without very good intentions of getting something much better in return. I hope all is going well with our players in arbitration. We haven’t heard anything about that either. So, hopefully it is all taken care of by next Friday without anybody having to go to a hearing like we almost had happen last year.

HAPPY NEW YEAR GANG!!!!! Hope you are all well and happy. Outstanding D4!!! The magic is still there, somewhat more dormant and obscure thru the Fox and McCourt tenures. Nice to hear about the baseball school Nelly!! Nice post!!! I agree!! Got to cultivate the young kids!! We’ve been saying it for a couple of years now and are patient enough to let it happen!!! As far as Dawson and Vlad, who cares?!!! Dawson is a Hall of Famer in my book and we will decide Vlad when the time is here. I would have loved to have had either on my team. Go Buckeyes and Go Dodgers!!!!!

Gumby’s creator, Art Clokey, has passed away. Gumby, all of ITD is here for you if you need us. My sympathies to Pokey, as well. As for Clokey’s son, he said, “Gumby’s ability to enchant generations of children and adults had a mystical quality to it.” Kind of like Ned’s ability to enchant all of us, especially with his creative acquisitions…..?!?!?!?

Hi’Ya Trumom and Nelly!!! Doing well, thanks. Always makes my day to see/read you both!!! Dodger stove has been very cold so far. Maybe a good thing. I’m still not very optimistic with Ned stoking the fire. LOL!!!

Hey Jhall!!! It’s really good to see you!! How have YOU been sir? The academy is going really well. In addition to those two, we had Dusty Ryan (a local player gone pro) in the place the other day with his friend who happens to be in the Card’s minor league system. Dusty was the backup catcher for Detroit last season, and was traded to San Diego for this upcoming season. He is slated to be back up for the Padres too, but one never knows with their team either what may happen down the road. We have a whole bunch college kids that come and go as well, who may be in the mlb someday, perhaps playing for the Dodgers one day :)))

Thanks Nelly and Jhall, I couldn’t stop thinking about the team, and didn’t want to go to sleep with a negative vibe again. I miss the enjoyment part of the game. This off season has been no fun what so ever…….
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Jhall it is good to see your post as usual, glad to have back. I trust you had an enjoyable holiday season and that your New Year is much of the same. I see also that your Buckeyes cracked the top 5, Congrats!!!
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Nelly that is outstanding news about thye academy, simply outstanding.
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GO DODGERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BRING THE RING IN 2010!!!!

Good afternoon all…….
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So far this New Year we have seen Ned sign Ortiz and Restovich, however from what I have read, this doesn;t actually cost us any money until opening day, other than the usual ST allowance and pay. Repko has resigned for $500k on a one year deal (which should mean the same, it cast us nothing until opening day?) This makes me wonder? if the bidding was to get heated up for Padilla or Garland tomorrow would Ned have the funds to acquire one of them, or would this just be another scenerio where he would just be following them down the hall, towards their room. I have read that some of the player agents?? Have been saying that Ned is pursuing Trades in lue of free agents further speculating that he has no real money to spend. It has also been said that Ned doesn’t know where he will stand as far as $ until our arbitration guys are signed?? Which doesn’t look like a very promising outlook to me….

Hi, Kahli π I’m also glad Repko signed. Maybe that is a good sign of things to come. Of course, they also signed Russ Ortiz! Maybe if they also sign Smoltz and Pedro Martinez, we will truly have an Old-timers Club! I did hear they were thinking of the Giants reject, Noah Lowry!

Well……….well, if it isn’t Boblee himself. It is good to see you. I am glad your Boys are doing well for you Boblee. I didn’t get to watch any of the games today, but from the scores they sure were exciting. As far as my team, I am looking forward to seeing what Shanahan can do with my Redskins next season. I didn’t like the Broncos, but I did like him. However, for now, I am pulling for my 2nd favorite………the Chargers to go all the way π

My Ethier jersey came in the mail this weekend! Does anyone know when/if there will be another ITD tour this year? I might only be able to make it out once this year and I would love if it could be then.

Good Morning, Bluesplash ~ I think Josh will give us a date for the ITD Tour as soon as possible. I am assuming we are having one again this year. We told him last time that we’d like more time to get our “ducks in a row”.

Ned better duck if this is what Frank’s reduced us to. J-C, Ortiz and Restovich? That’s worse than dumpster diving. Ned’s cesspool diving in the shallow end. Hell, while we’re at it let’s call Tomko back, maybe even Uncle Milty. And what do we need with another never-was thirty-something OFer? If you don’t have enough OFers in the minors to fill out rosters, then there’s something wrong with your farm system since OFers grow on trees. And jeez, I’d rather throw every minor league arm we have out there than the washed-up crap Ned finds.

This is pathetic for a major market team. If you can’t get quality players, don’t get any at all and play your kids.

And obviously our day is saved settling with Repko. Not that Repko wouldn’t make a great defensive 4th OFer and PR, but from what I’ve seen, the guy isn’t going to hit at all. Much better off with Paul as 4th OF. I’m actually a bit surprised they even tendered him, but then judging by the big named OFers we’re signing, we’re inexcusably thin in the minors.

Ain’t gonna be no big boy signings ever with Frank (or Jamie) as owner. THAT we might as well resign ourselves to right now.

My objection is that if you aren’t going to sign anyone of consequence, don’t sign anyone at all. BUT you have to make sure your farm system is healthy, which ours is not thank’s to Frank’s McCheapness in acquiring PVLs.

Maybe not this year, maybe not next, but this organization is heading for some real rough seasons ahead as long as its “guided” by the current ownership and front office. They can try putting a happy face on it if they want, but it’ll just putting lipstick on a pig.

Sorry, I meant big boys, meaning our current team. I knew Repko would sign for whatever he was offered. I want to know what is happening with the EthierKempLoneyMartinBroxBillz? They are what matters right now, and how they are handled will be very telling of how the next few years will play out.

Next year when Frank’s even more cash strapped, look for him to trade Dre at least, maybe Kemp. Martin I don’t care about, but I’d surmize he’d be gone too. Soon as any of them reach the third year of arbitration when they’d be due some serious money (and in Kemp’s case, probably his second) and they’ll be gone. As long as Frank owns the team, welcome to Royals baseball.

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